Stretching: the Truth

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The latest study to receive a lot of attention is out of Australia, in which researchers looked at numerous other experiments on stretching and concluded it doesn't help reduce muscle soreness following rigorous exercise. Light exercise -- i.e., "active recovery" -- does.

But that doesn't mean that stretching doesn't help in other key areas: injury prevention and flexibility. The study also touched on pre- and post-exercise stretching, but only as it relates to reducing soreness.

Researchers' conclusions, according to a CBS/WebMD article:

While the benefits of stretching are debated, experts say that proper, gentle stretching may not do all that exercisers hope for, but it won't hurt. Aslmand believes stretching can also help prevent injury and also can improve performance.

Bracko found, in a recent review of studies, that those who stretch regularly may get some injury protection. For many athletes, he says, stretching has become more of a ritual than anything.


Link to the article: Does Stretching Really Prevent Soreness?

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